Airlie Beach is a tropical tourist town that knows how to have a good time.
Located in the heart of the Whitsundays, Airlie Beach is a fantastic launching pad for exploring the Great Barrier Reef. With a laid-back vibe, lovely locals and lively bars and restaurants, it might even turn out to be a highlight of your East Coast adventure. Whether you fancy relaxing by the lawn-fringed lagoon, meandering around the many cafes and boutiques, or dining on local seafood, there's loads to see and do. Do as much or as little as you like — you're on tropical time here.
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Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef
Explore one of the world's most incredible natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef, on a day tour from Airlie Beach. It takes just a few hours to reach the outer-reef pontoon where you can swim with shimmering fish in every colour of the rainbow. If you're lucky, you might see turtles or graceful stingrays gliding past.
Go on a sailing adventure
Get ready your sunscreen and sunhat at the ready... we're going sailing! Feel the sun on your back and the wind in your hair as we cruise around the postcard-perfect Whitsunday Islands. Sit back and relax with a cool drink and enjoy views of the national park and distant resorts. On a clear night, you might catch a glimpse of the sparkling Southern Cross after sunset.
Wine and dine
The main strip of Airlie Beach is packed with cafes, restaurants and bars playing live music. And for a small town, the foodie scene certainly packs a punch! From locally sourced seafood to burgers and tapas, your taste buds are in for a treat. If you fancy a sundowner, have a cocktail overlooking the marina or take your pick of lively beer gardens.
Visit Whitehaven Beach
Drop anchor and relax on the soft white sand of one of the world's most beautiful beaches. (Don't just take our word for it — Tripadvisor also named it the world's best beach in 2021.) With 98% pure silica sand lapped by bright blue waters, photos will never do these views justice... but you can definitely try! For the best photo ops, climb to the top of the Hill Inlet Lookout on the northern end of the beach.
Airlie Beach tour reviews
3.7
out of 5 based on 3 reviews submitted.
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Brisbane to Cairns Adventure
Kathryn · Traveled April 2024
Oversold and under delivered. This is very expensive for what you get in return
Review submitted 25 Apr 2024Brisbane to Cairns Adventure
Oleg · Traveled April 2024
Accommodations has to be better. I like the group leader
Review submitted 25 Apr 2024Brisbane to Cairns Adventure
Alison · Traveled April 2024
This trip was the first of the new itinerary for Brisbane to Cairns. Highlights included trips to K’gari and Whitsunday islands. Lots of opportunities for swimming, snorkelling and walking. The overnight train was fun but there are some long travelling days. Accommodation was good but some issues at one which need resolving. Our guide Nicole Roberts was absolutely outstanding.
Review submitted 25 Apr 2024Airlie Beach travel FAQs
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